Both the Friends of the Poplarville Public Library and the Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library will host their largest fund raising events over the next two weeks.

The book sale at the Crosby Memorial Library will kick off the fundraising events on Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. with a special Friends of the Library members only preview sale.

Friends of the Library members will have first choice of the books and items up for sale during the special preview.

Want to have first pick, but aren’t a Friends of the Library member? No problem. You can join on Sunday at the preview. Membership for individuals is $5, $10 for couples, and $15 for families. There are other membership levels available for businesses and individuals who would like to contribute more.

Starting on May 3, the Friends of the Poplarville Public Library will host their annual book sale to help the Poplarville Public Library.

Both Friends of the Library groups are the force behind most of the cultural programs that are free to the public. In the past, some of those programs have included information sessions on the gun permit laws, the money management program and 3D printing program.

The groups are a huge asset to the libraries and the money raised from these book sales supports not only the free cultural programs, but also the Summer Reading program, the year- round children’s programs and even helps the library purchase books.

In recent years, the library has received less funding from the state and local levels because of the tough economic times.

The Friends of the Library, along with grants from several generous organizations, have helped the library continue providing services to the community.

The library is one of the few places that offers Internet access, books, movies, magazines and many other items at no charge. It also provides a place for individuals to relax and a place for students of all ages to do homework after school.

So, go out and support the libraries by picking up a book at the book sales that begin on Sunday and run until May 9.